CA2085854A1 - Compliant drive link for tenter - Google Patents
Compliant drive link for tenterInfo
- Publication number
- CA2085854A1 CA2085854A1 CA 2085854 CA2085854A CA2085854A1 CA 2085854 A1 CA2085854 A1 CA 2085854A1 CA 2085854 CA2085854 CA 2085854 CA 2085854 A CA2085854 A CA 2085854A CA 2085854 A1 CA2085854 A1 CA 2085854A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fabric
- fabric edge
- drive
- edge holders
- conveyor track
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A tentering machine having a compliant drive link allows for a considerable rate of stretch in a tentered fabric, web or film without the distortion or bowing frequently observed with the tentering machines of the prior art. The tentering machine includes two conveyor tracks adjacent to and facing one another, each conveyor track having a number of fabric edge holders slidingly directable thereabout. A fabric, web or film, grasped on opposite edges by the fabric edge holders, is conveyed thereby through the tentering machine in the space between the two conveyor tracks. Widthwise stretching occurs where the conveyor tracks of the tentering machine have sections on each side of the fabric which diverge from one another, while the two conveyor tracks may be parallel to each other on the two sides of the fabric in applications where prevention of shrinkage is of interest. The fabric edge holders on each conveyor track are run at a substantially common speed by drive chains. Elongated, spring-like compliant drive links extend from the drive chains to the fabric edge holders, but are not connected thereto. The compliant drive links allow adjacent fabric edge holders to move relative to one another, permitting a considerable rate of stretch without the distortion or bowing of the fabric, web or film observed during the use of prior-art tentering machines.
Description
.ICompliant Drive Link for T~nter jlBackqround of the Invention I . .
I Field o~_the Invent o~
Il The present invention relates to a machine used to ¦I stret~h, or tenter, a fabric, web or film in a direction Il transverse to that in which it i~ being conveyed through a ¦I treatment zone, such as a process oven, or to prevent the ¦I fabric, web or film from shrinking in a transverse direction ¦1 as it i~ being aonveyed through such a zone. Specifically, the I present ~nvention is a tentering machine which includes mean~
for reducing or eliminating longitudinal distortion during tentered processing.
~scrip~1Qn_Q~ ~q RE~Qr Art Tentering machine~ are well known in the art.
! Generally, these machines include pin-plates or clamps which grasp the oppo~ite edges of the fabric, web or film to be stretched in a widthwise, or transverse direction, or to prevent their shrinking in such a direction.
The pin-plates or clamps ma~ convey the ~abric through a ~tret~hing, or tentering, zone, where they, while gra~ping opposite edges of the fabric, are conveyed along divergent tracks. Both b~ore and after the tentering zone, the pin-plates or clamps on opposite sides of the fabric may procePd in parallel directions. Alternatively, the pin-plates or clamps may be convey~d only along parallel kracks so that they may prevent shrinkage fro~ occurring in a treatment zon~.
The pin-plates or clamps are driven about a pair o~
endless-loop paths which are adjacent to and facQ one another.
l l In the tentering machines of the prior art, they are commonly attached firmly to a drive chain, which may describe an 1~ endless-loop path within that followed by the pin plates or li clamps.
Il The tentering æone, then, is between the pair of endless-loop paths around which the pin-plates or clamps are conveyed. Initially, those on each endless-loop path grasp the oppoæite edges of the fabric to be tentered and may be conveyed I in directions parallel to one another. In the tentering zone, j they m~y proceed along divergent paths stretching the Pabric I¦ in a widthwise direction while conveying the fabric ¦¦ longitudinally therethrough, or they may remain travelling in parall~l directions simply to prevent shrinkage. Finally, upon exiting from the tentering zone, they may again be conveyed in directions parallel to one another, if they have diverged, before releasing the fabric.
If the fabric, web or film elongates in a direction p~rallel to it8 motion while tenter~d, the rigid spacing between ad~acent pin-plates or clamps in prior-art tentering machines, where they are firmly attached to the drive chain, m~y p~rmit distortion. some ~anu~acturers have attempted to overcome this di~advantage by attaching the pin-plates or clamps to the drive chain using drive pins in slotted holes r ~ut this limits the web elongation to the length of the ~lot.
In addition, web driving force is lost when the drive pin leaves the end of the slot.
Other manufacturers have added springs to the drive ~lot to maintain drive force, but such an expedient limits web elongation even more seriously.
The present invention Qupplies a ~olution to the~e disadvantage~ in the tentering machine~ of the prior art by 35~
including means whereby pi~-plates or clamps may be driven from i a chain in a manner which permits considerable web elongation without loss of driving force. In addition, the means of the I¦ present invention permits the direction of motion of t~e entire ¦¦ line to be reversed without modification or loss of function.
Il Summa~y of the Inve~ion The present invention provides a means ~or driving the pin-plate~ or clamps in a tentering machine while allowing for a considerable rate of stretch in the tentered fabric, web or film.
In its broadest form, the present invention is a tentering machine for conveying a fabric, web or film through a treatment zone and either stretching it in a widthwise direction, transverse to that in which said fabric, web or film is being conveyed through said tentering machine, or preventing it from shrinking in that direction.
The tentering machine includes a first conveyor track and a second conveyor track, which take the form of endle~s closed loops adjacent to and facing each other between which the fabric, web or film to be stretched may be conveyed. The ~ir~t oonveyor tracX may have a ~ection of predetermin~d length which diverge6 from a corresponding and facing section on the second conveyor track, or the facing sections of the first conveyor track and the second conveyor track may be parallel to one another for their entire lengths. The first and sacond conveyor track~ each have a guide means extending around their closed-loop forms.
The tentering machine also includes a first plurality of fabric ed~e holders and a second plurality of fabr~c edge holders. Each fabric edge holder includes an edge holding means, means for engaging with the guide means on the first or ~econd conveyor txacks, and means for being driven around the first or second conveyor track. The first plurality of fabric edge holders is disposed on the first conveyor track, and the ~econd plurality of fabric edge holders is disposed on the second conveyor track. Each fabric edge holder is slidingly directable about its respective conveyor track. The means for engaging with the guide means on the first or second conveyor track on each fabric edge holder fits into and cooperates with the guide means to direct the fabric edge holders around their respective conveyor tracks.
The tentering machine further includes a first drive means and a second drive means. The first drive means is a~sociated with the first conveyor track and the second drive means is associated with the second conveyor track. Each drive means i8 operable to drive the first and ~econd pluralities of fabric edqe holders about their respective conveyor tracks at a common speed.
The fix~t and second drive means each have a plurality of elongated resilient, spring-like means extending therQfrom for a predetermined length to an end point for driv1ng individual fabric edge holders o~ the ~irst and second pluralities of ~abric edge holders about their respective conveyor tracks. These resilient, spring-like means act upon the means for being driven on the fabric edge holders, but are not fixedly connected thereto. By extending from the first and second drive means, the resilient, spring-like means drive individual fabric edge holders of said first and second pluralities of fabric edge holders about ~heir respective conveyor tracks, when the first and second drive means are operate A specific embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more complete detail, with reference frequently being made to the *igures identified as set forth below.
Brief Descri~ion of the Drawinqs ll Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a tentering il machine which may include the compliant drive link of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a detailed and enlargQd plan view of a portion of a tentering machine showing the compliant drive link thereof.
Figure 3A is a plan view of a pin-plate which may be used as the edge holding means on the fabric edge ho~ders of a tentering machine.
Figure 3B i8 a side view of the pin-plate illustrated in Figure 3A.
Figure 4 is a side view of a clamp which may be used as the edge holding means on the fabric edge holders on a tentering machine.
~etailed ~escripti~n of ~he Prefer~çd Embo~imen~
With reference now to the sle~eral figures, Figure 1 presonts a ~chematic plan view of a tentering machine which may include the compliant drive link of the present invention. The tentering machine 10 includes a first tentering means 12 and a ~econd tentering means 14. A fabric 20 is conveyed by the tentering machine 10 through the space between the first tentering means 12 and the second tentering means 14 in the direction of the arrows thereon, or ~ro~ left to right in Figure 1. While being so conveyed, the fa~ric 20 may be stretche ln ~ widthwise direction, that is, in a direction transverse to that in which it is being conveyed through the tentering machine lo.
The first tentering means 12 and the second tentering means 14 each include an endless conveyor track, not shown in Figure 1, about which a plurality of fabric edge holders are conveyed. The fabric edge holders convey the fabric 20 to be tentered through the space between the first tentering means 12 and the second tentering means 14 by grasping the opposite lateral edges thereof. The fabric edge holders, in turn, are driven about the endless conveyor tracks by endles~ drive chalns which include the compliant drive links of the present invention extending therefrom and engaging the fabric edge holders~ The endless drive chains may form an endless loop withln the endless conveyor track on each of the first tentering means 12 and second tentering means 14.
In the tentering machine 10 shown in Figure 1, the first tentering means 12 and the second tentering means 14 each include three correRponding sections. In the first, or inl~t, saction 22, the first tentering means 12 and the second tentering Deans 14 diverge from one another. Once the fabric 20 is picked up in the inlet ~ection 22, this divergence either ~tr~tch~s the ~abric 20 in a widthwise direction, or simply places it under a tension sufficient to render it taut between the first tentering means 12 and the s~cond tentering means 14.
Having been conveyed through the input section 22, the fabric 20 enters the treatment section 24. As shown in Figure 1, the first tentering means 12 and the second tentering means 14 are parallel to one another in the treatment section ~4, and prevent the fabric 20 from shrinking in a widthwise direction during the heating or other treatment applied thereto in that section.
5 ~5 ~
Finally, after being treated in some fashion, the fabric 20 enter~ the outlet section 26. As shown in Figure 1, the first tentering means 12 and the second tentering means 14 converge toward one another in the outlet section 26. This convergence reduces the tension widthwise across the fabric 20, so that it may be easily removed from the tentering machine 10 at the end of the outlet section 26.
Turning now to Figure 2, one i~ presented with a detailed and enlarged plan view of a portion of the tentering machine 10 of the present invention showing the compliant drive link 52 thereof. Specifically, the portion shown i8 a portion oP thQ ~irst tentering means 12. A portion of a conveyor track 30, and a portion o~ a drive chain 50, including 6everal chain links 70, are shown. From a plurality of chain links 70, elongated compliant drive links 52 extend toward projecting members 72 extending upward from fabric edge holders 32.
The ~abric edge holders 32 are depicted in Figure 2 as being substantially flat plates. AB implied in the preceding paragraph, a pro~ecting me~ber 72 i8 on the top surface of each fabric edge holder 32. on the bottom surface of each fabric edge holder ~2 are two cam-followers 74 projecting downwardly therefrom into endless guide slot 34, by which ~eans the fabric edg~ holder 32 i~ guided about conveyor track 30. .
As shown in Figure 2, each fabric edge holder 32 i8 driven in the direction of the motion of the drive chain 50 by a compliant drive link 52. The drive chain 50 i8 moving from left tc right in Figure 2, as indicated by the arrow. The compliant drive links 52, in turn, move fabric 20 ~rom left to right through ~heir contact with fabric edge holder~ 32.
Without the compliant drive link mechanism, frictional drag along guide 810t 34 would cause distortion near the edges of the fabric 20 being tentered. The compliant driYe links 52, designed as leaf springs, apply sufficient force to each fabric edge holder 32 to overcome friction in the guide slot 34. It may be r~adily observed that, chould the need arise, th~ drive chain 50 and fabric 20 may be driven in either direction. When reverced, the compliant drive links 52 engage with the projecting member 72 on the top surface of the next fabric edge holder 32 in line.
If and when the fabric 20 stretches lengthwise during tentering, the separation between adjacent fabric edge holders 32 is permitted to increase by the design of the present invention. This eliminates the distortion or bowing of the fabric commonly observed during the use of prior-art tentering machines. The compliant drive links 52 permit increased fabric edge holder 32 spacing. The compliant drive link 52 forc~ may be selected by varying the spring constant of the compliant drive link 52.
Where there i~ a considerable amount of lengthwise stretching in the tentered fabric 20, the present invention permite a fabric edge holder 32 to overrun one compliant drive link 52 a~d to be picked up by the next compliant drive link 52 in line. This may be seen in figure 2 in fabric edge holder 80, one compliant drive lin~ 52 is about to ~lip over projecting member 72 because of the separation betweQn fabric edge holder 76, and the one to its right. However, should this occur, fabric edge holder 76 will continue to be driven by the next compliant drive link 52 in line.
In short, in order for the spacing between ad~acent fabric edge holders 32 to change in response to elongation o the tentered fabric 20, a force exceeding that due to static friction in the guide ~lot 30 must be provided. In the absenca i ~
i of the compliant drive link, when an adequate force is present, the sp~cing between fabric edge holders 32 increases suddenly and jerkily until it is halted by tension in the fabric 20.
This results in the fabric 20 being processed in a highly erratic manner. The compliant drive link 52 of the present invention permits smooth fabric elongation over the design ¦¦ range, while retaining the ability to operate in either ¦ direction, and to tolerate and recover from system jams. It also provides a simplicity of design which keeps fabrication and maintenance costs low.
Edge holding means of the prior art, as sh~wn in Fiqures 3A, 3B and 4, may be used on the fabric edge holders 32 o~ the pre~ent invention. In Figures 3A and 3B are shown a pin-plate of the variety commonly used in the prior art.
Such a pin-plate 80 could form a part of the fabric edge holder 32 of the present invention.
Figure 3A ~hows a plan view of such a pin-plate 80.
Along an edge of the pin-plate 80 is disposed a plurality of pins 82 inclined in the direction in which the fabric, web or ~ilm i~ to be tentered. ~he pins 82 may form one or more rows along the edge of the pin-plate 80. Figure 3B shows a side view of pin-plate 80 and makes cleax the inclined orientation of the pins 82.
Figure 4 is a side view o~ a clamp 90 which may be used on fabric edge holders 32 instead of a pin-plate 80. The clamp includes a ~upporting plate 92 and an arm 94 projecting above the supporting plate 92. A pressing vane 96 is pivotally secured to th~ arm 94 through the medium of shaft 98. Fabric 20 is clamped between supporting plate 92 and pressing member 100. Tension across fabric 20 acts to keep clamp 90 ~ecured.
Suitabl~ means, not part of ~he present invention, act upon 9 `, r--?~
,i clamp so to grasp and release fabric 20 before and after the ¦' stretching operation, respectively.
Clearly, modifications to the above would be obvious to anyone skilled in the art, yet would not brin~ the device LO =odified beyond the DCOpe O~ the nppended clai=e.
I Field o~_the Invent o~
Il The present invention relates to a machine used to ¦I stret~h, or tenter, a fabric, web or film in a direction Il transverse to that in which it i~ being conveyed through a ¦I treatment zone, such as a process oven, or to prevent the ¦I fabric, web or film from shrinking in a transverse direction ¦1 as it i~ being aonveyed through such a zone. Specifically, the I present ~nvention is a tentering machine which includes mean~
for reducing or eliminating longitudinal distortion during tentered processing.
~scrip~1Qn_Q~ ~q RE~Qr Art Tentering machine~ are well known in the art.
! Generally, these machines include pin-plates or clamps which grasp the oppo~ite edges of the fabric, web or film to be stretched in a widthwise, or transverse direction, or to prevent their shrinking in such a direction.
The pin-plates or clamps ma~ convey the ~abric through a ~tret~hing, or tentering, zone, where they, while gra~ping opposite edges of the fabric, are conveyed along divergent tracks. Both b~ore and after the tentering zone, the pin-plates or clamps on opposite sides of the fabric may procePd in parallel directions. Alternatively, the pin-plates or clamps may be convey~d only along parallel kracks so that they may prevent shrinkage fro~ occurring in a treatment zon~.
The pin-plates or clamps are driven about a pair o~
endless-loop paths which are adjacent to and facQ one another.
l l In the tentering machines of the prior art, they are commonly attached firmly to a drive chain, which may describe an 1~ endless-loop path within that followed by the pin plates or li clamps.
Il The tentering æone, then, is between the pair of endless-loop paths around which the pin-plates or clamps are conveyed. Initially, those on each endless-loop path grasp the oppoæite edges of the fabric to be tentered and may be conveyed I in directions parallel to one another. In the tentering zone, j they m~y proceed along divergent paths stretching the Pabric I¦ in a widthwise direction while conveying the fabric ¦¦ longitudinally therethrough, or they may remain travelling in parall~l directions simply to prevent shrinkage. Finally, upon exiting from the tentering zone, they may again be conveyed in directions parallel to one another, if they have diverged, before releasing the fabric.
If the fabric, web or film elongates in a direction p~rallel to it8 motion while tenter~d, the rigid spacing between ad~acent pin-plates or clamps in prior-art tentering machines, where they are firmly attached to the drive chain, m~y p~rmit distortion. some ~anu~acturers have attempted to overcome this di~advantage by attaching the pin-plates or clamps to the drive chain using drive pins in slotted holes r ~ut this limits the web elongation to the length of the ~lot.
In addition, web driving force is lost when the drive pin leaves the end of the slot.
Other manufacturers have added springs to the drive ~lot to maintain drive force, but such an expedient limits web elongation even more seriously.
The present invention Qupplies a ~olution to the~e disadvantage~ in the tentering machine~ of the prior art by 35~
including means whereby pi~-plates or clamps may be driven from i a chain in a manner which permits considerable web elongation without loss of driving force. In addition, the means of the I¦ present invention permits the direction of motion of t~e entire ¦¦ line to be reversed without modification or loss of function.
Il Summa~y of the Inve~ion The present invention provides a means ~or driving the pin-plate~ or clamps in a tentering machine while allowing for a considerable rate of stretch in the tentered fabric, web or film.
In its broadest form, the present invention is a tentering machine for conveying a fabric, web or film through a treatment zone and either stretching it in a widthwise direction, transverse to that in which said fabric, web or film is being conveyed through said tentering machine, or preventing it from shrinking in that direction.
The tentering machine includes a first conveyor track and a second conveyor track, which take the form of endle~s closed loops adjacent to and facing each other between which the fabric, web or film to be stretched may be conveyed. The ~ir~t oonveyor tracX may have a ~ection of predetermin~d length which diverge6 from a corresponding and facing section on the second conveyor track, or the facing sections of the first conveyor track and the second conveyor track may be parallel to one another for their entire lengths. The first and sacond conveyor track~ each have a guide means extending around their closed-loop forms.
The tentering machine also includes a first plurality of fabric ed~e holders and a second plurality of fabr~c edge holders. Each fabric edge holder includes an edge holding means, means for engaging with the guide means on the first or ~econd conveyor txacks, and means for being driven around the first or second conveyor track. The first plurality of fabric edge holders is disposed on the first conveyor track, and the ~econd plurality of fabric edge holders is disposed on the second conveyor track. Each fabric edge holder is slidingly directable about its respective conveyor track. The means for engaging with the guide means on the first or second conveyor track on each fabric edge holder fits into and cooperates with the guide means to direct the fabric edge holders around their respective conveyor tracks.
The tentering machine further includes a first drive means and a second drive means. The first drive means is a~sociated with the first conveyor track and the second drive means is associated with the second conveyor track. Each drive means i8 operable to drive the first and ~econd pluralities of fabric edqe holders about their respective conveyor tracks at a common speed.
The fix~t and second drive means each have a plurality of elongated resilient, spring-like means extending therQfrom for a predetermined length to an end point for driv1ng individual fabric edge holders o~ the ~irst and second pluralities of ~abric edge holders about their respective conveyor tracks. These resilient, spring-like means act upon the means for being driven on the fabric edge holders, but are not fixedly connected thereto. By extending from the first and second drive means, the resilient, spring-like means drive individual fabric edge holders of said first and second pluralities of fabric edge holders about ~heir respective conveyor tracks, when the first and second drive means are operate A specific embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more complete detail, with reference frequently being made to the *igures identified as set forth below.
Brief Descri~ion of the Drawinqs ll Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a tentering il machine which may include the compliant drive link of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a detailed and enlargQd plan view of a portion of a tentering machine showing the compliant drive link thereof.
Figure 3A is a plan view of a pin-plate which may be used as the edge holding means on the fabric edge ho~ders of a tentering machine.
Figure 3B i8 a side view of the pin-plate illustrated in Figure 3A.
Figure 4 is a side view of a clamp which may be used as the edge holding means on the fabric edge holders on a tentering machine.
~etailed ~escripti~n of ~he Prefer~çd Embo~imen~
With reference now to the sle~eral figures, Figure 1 presonts a ~chematic plan view of a tentering machine which may include the compliant drive link of the present invention. The tentering machine 10 includes a first tentering means 12 and a ~econd tentering means 14. A fabric 20 is conveyed by the tentering machine 10 through the space between the first tentering means 12 and the second tentering means 14 in the direction of the arrows thereon, or ~ro~ left to right in Figure 1. While being so conveyed, the fa~ric 20 may be stretche ln ~ widthwise direction, that is, in a direction transverse to that in which it is being conveyed through the tentering machine lo.
The first tentering means 12 and the second tentering means 14 each include an endless conveyor track, not shown in Figure 1, about which a plurality of fabric edge holders are conveyed. The fabric edge holders convey the fabric 20 to be tentered through the space between the first tentering means 12 and the second tentering means 14 by grasping the opposite lateral edges thereof. The fabric edge holders, in turn, are driven about the endless conveyor tracks by endles~ drive chalns which include the compliant drive links of the present invention extending therefrom and engaging the fabric edge holders~ The endless drive chains may form an endless loop withln the endless conveyor track on each of the first tentering means 12 and second tentering means 14.
In the tentering machine 10 shown in Figure 1, the first tentering means 12 and the second tentering means 14 each include three correRponding sections. In the first, or inl~t, saction 22, the first tentering means 12 and the second tentering Deans 14 diverge from one another. Once the fabric 20 is picked up in the inlet ~ection 22, this divergence either ~tr~tch~s the ~abric 20 in a widthwise direction, or simply places it under a tension sufficient to render it taut between the first tentering means 12 and the s~cond tentering means 14.
Having been conveyed through the input section 22, the fabric 20 enters the treatment section 24. As shown in Figure 1, the first tentering means 12 and the second tentering means 14 are parallel to one another in the treatment section ~4, and prevent the fabric 20 from shrinking in a widthwise direction during the heating or other treatment applied thereto in that section.
5 ~5 ~
Finally, after being treated in some fashion, the fabric 20 enter~ the outlet section 26. As shown in Figure 1, the first tentering means 12 and the second tentering means 14 converge toward one another in the outlet section 26. This convergence reduces the tension widthwise across the fabric 20, so that it may be easily removed from the tentering machine 10 at the end of the outlet section 26.
Turning now to Figure 2, one i~ presented with a detailed and enlarged plan view of a portion of the tentering machine 10 of the present invention showing the compliant drive link 52 thereof. Specifically, the portion shown i8 a portion oP thQ ~irst tentering means 12. A portion of a conveyor track 30, and a portion o~ a drive chain 50, including 6everal chain links 70, are shown. From a plurality of chain links 70, elongated compliant drive links 52 extend toward projecting members 72 extending upward from fabric edge holders 32.
The ~abric edge holders 32 are depicted in Figure 2 as being substantially flat plates. AB implied in the preceding paragraph, a pro~ecting me~ber 72 i8 on the top surface of each fabric edge holder 32. on the bottom surface of each fabric edge holder ~2 are two cam-followers 74 projecting downwardly therefrom into endless guide slot 34, by which ~eans the fabric edg~ holder 32 i~ guided about conveyor track 30. .
As shown in Figure 2, each fabric edge holder 32 i8 driven in the direction of the motion of the drive chain 50 by a compliant drive link 52. The drive chain 50 i8 moving from left tc right in Figure 2, as indicated by the arrow. The compliant drive links 52, in turn, move fabric 20 ~rom left to right through ~heir contact with fabric edge holder~ 32.
Without the compliant drive link mechanism, frictional drag along guide 810t 34 would cause distortion near the edges of the fabric 20 being tentered. The compliant driYe links 52, designed as leaf springs, apply sufficient force to each fabric edge holder 32 to overcome friction in the guide slot 34. It may be r~adily observed that, chould the need arise, th~ drive chain 50 and fabric 20 may be driven in either direction. When reverced, the compliant drive links 52 engage with the projecting member 72 on the top surface of the next fabric edge holder 32 in line.
If and when the fabric 20 stretches lengthwise during tentering, the separation between adjacent fabric edge holders 32 is permitted to increase by the design of the present invention. This eliminates the distortion or bowing of the fabric commonly observed during the use of prior-art tentering machines. The compliant drive links 52 permit increased fabric edge holder 32 spacing. The compliant drive link 52 forc~ may be selected by varying the spring constant of the compliant drive link 52.
Where there i~ a considerable amount of lengthwise stretching in the tentered fabric 20, the present invention permite a fabric edge holder 32 to overrun one compliant drive link 52 a~d to be picked up by the next compliant drive link 52 in line. This may be seen in figure 2 in fabric edge holder 80, one compliant drive lin~ 52 is about to ~lip over projecting member 72 because of the separation betweQn fabric edge holder 76, and the one to its right. However, should this occur, fabric edge holder 76 will continue to be driven by the next compliant drive link 52 in line.
In short, in order for the spacing between ad~acent fabric edge holders 32 to change in response to elongation o the tentered fabric 20, a force exceeding that due to static friction in the guide ~lot 30 must be provided. In the absenca i ~
i of the compliant drive link, when an adequate force is present, the sp~cing between fabric edge holders 32 increases suddenly and jerkily until it is halted by tension in the fabric 20.
This results in the fabric 20 being processed in a highly erratic manner. The compliant drive link 52 of the present invention permits smooth fabric elongation over the design ¦¦ range, while retaining the ability to operate in either ¦ direction, and to tolerate and recover from system jams. It also provides a simplicity of design which keeps fabrication and maintenance costs low.
Edge holding means of the prior art, as sh~wn in Fiqures 3A, 3B and 4, may be used on the fabric edge holders 32 o~ the pre~ent invention. In Figures 3A and 3B are shown a pin-plate of the variety commonly used in the prior art.
Such a pin-plate 80 could form a part of the fabric edge holder 32 of the present invention.
Figure 3A ~hows a plan view of such a pin-plate 80.
Along an edge of the pin-plate 80 is disposed a plurality of pins 82 inclined in the direction in which the fabric, web or ~ilm i~ to be tentered. ~he pins 82 may form one or more rows along the edge of the pin-plate 80. Figure 3B shows a side view of pin-plate 80 and makes cleax the inclined orientation of the pins 82.
Figure 4 is a side view o~ a clamp 90 which may be used on fabric edge holders 32 instead of a pin-plate 80. The clamp includes a ~upporting plate 92 and an arm 94 projecting above the supporting plate 92. A pressing vane 96 is pivotally secured to th~ arm 94 through the medium of shaft 98. Fabric 20 is clamped between supporting plate 92 and pressing member 100. Tension across fabric 20 acts to keep clamp 90 ~ecured.
Suitabl~ means, not part of ~he present invention, act upon 9 `, r--?~
,i clamp so to grasp and release fabric 20 before and after the ¦' stretching operation, respectively.
Clearly, modifications to the above would be obvious to anyone skilled in the art, yet would not brin~ the device LO =odified beyond the DCOpe O~ the nppended clai=e.
Claims (9)
1. A tentering machine for conveying a fabric, web or film through a treatment zone, comprising:
a first conveyor track and a second conveyor track, said first and second conveyor tracks being endless closed loops adjacent to and facing each other between which the fabric, web or film may be conveyed, each of said first and second conveyor tracks having a guide means extending around its closed loop;
a first plurality of fabric edge holders and a second plurality of fabric edge holders, each of said fabric edge holders having an edge holding means, means for engaging with said guide means of said first or second conveyor track, and means for being driven around said first or second conveyor track, said first plurality of fabric edge holders being on said first conveyor track and said second plurality of fabric edge holders being on said second conveyor track, each fabric edge holder being slidingly directable about its respective conveyor track, said means for engaging with said guide means of said first or second conveyor track cooperating with said guide means to direct said fabric edge holders around their respective conveyor tracks; and a first drive means and a second drive means, said first drive means being associated with said first conveyor track and said second drive means being associated with said second conveyor track, said first drive means and said second drive means being operable to drive said first and said second pluralities of fabric edge holders about their respective first and second conveyor tracks at a substantially common speed, said first drive means and said second drive means each having a plurality of resilient, spring-like means extending therefrom for a predetermined length to an end point for driving individual fabric edge holders of said first and second pluralities of said fabric edge holders about their respective conveyor tracks, said resilient, spring-like means for driving acting upon said means for being driven on said fabric edge holders but not being fixedly connected thereto, so that said resilient, spring-like means for driving individual fabric edge holders of said first and second pluralities of said fabric edge holders may slidingly direct said fabric edge holders about their respective conveyor tracks when said first and second drive means are operated, permitting the separation between adjacent fabric edge holders of said first and second pluralities of fabric edge holders to be variable.
a first conveyor track and a second conveyor track, said first and second conveyor tracks being endless closed loops adjacent to and facing each other between which the fabric, web or film may be conveyed, each of said first and second conveyor tracks having a guide means extending around its closed loop;
a first plurality of fabric edge holders and a second plurality of fabric edge holders, each of said fabric edge holders having an edge holding means, means for engaging with said guide means of said first or second conveyor track, and means for being driven around said first or second conveyor track, said first plurality of fabric edge holders being on said first conveyor track and said second plurality of fabric edge holders being on said second conveyor track, each fabric edge holder being slidingly directable about its respective conveyor track, said means for engaging with said guide means of said first or second conveyor track cooperating with said guide means to direct said fabric edge holders around their respective conveyor tracks; and a first drive means and a second drive means, said first drive means being associated with said first conveyor track and said second drive means being associated with said second conveyor track, said first drive means and said second drive means being operable to drive said first and said second pluralities of fabric edge holders about their respective first and second conveyor tracks at a substantially common speed, said first drive means and said second drive means each having a plurality of resilient, spring-like means extending therefrom for a predetermined length to an end point for driving individual fabric edge holders of said first and second pluralities of said fabric edge holders about their respective conveyor tracks, said resilient, spring-like means for driving acting upon said means for being driven on said fabric edge holders but not being fixedly connected thereto, so that said resilient, spring-like means for driving individual fabric edge holders of said first and second pluralities of said fabric edge holders may slidingly direct said fabric edge holders about their respective conveyor tracks when said first and second drive means are operated, permitting the separation between adjacent fabric edge holders of said first and second pluralities of fabric edge holders to be variable.
2. A tentering machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein said guide means on said first and second conveyor tracks are endless guide slots.
3. A tentering machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein said fabric edge holder is a substantially flat plate having a bottom surface and a top surface, said means for engaging with said guide means of said first and second conveyor track being on said bottom surface, and said means for being driven around said first or second conveyor track being on said top surface.
4. A tentering machine as claimed in claim 3 wherein said means for engaging with said guide means of said first and second conveyor track on said bottom surface of said substantially flat plate is a first and a second cam-follower.
5. A tentering machine as claimed in claim 3 wherein said means for being driven around said first or second conveyor track on said top surface of said substantially flat plate is a projecting member extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom.
6. A tentering machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein said edge holding means on said fabric edge holders are pin-plates.
7. A tentering machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein said edge holding means on said fabric edge holders are clamps.
8. A tentering machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein aid first drive means and said second drive means are a first drive chain and a second drive chain, respectively, said first drive chain being an endless loop within said first conveyor track, and said second drive chain being an endless loop within said second conveyor track, said first drive chain and said second drive chain each having a plurality of chain links, selected chain links on each of said first and second drive chains having individuals of said plurality of resilient, spring-like means for driving individual fabric edge holders of said first and second pluralities of said fabric edge holders about their respective conveyor tracks.
9. A tentering machine as claimed in claim 8 wherein said resilient, spring-like means are compliant drive links extending outwardly from said selected chain links of said first and second drive chains to said means for being driven on said fabric edge holders, said compliant drive links being elongated and having a predetermined length from points of attachment to their respective chain links to their ends, said compliant drive links acting upon said means for being driven on said fabric edge holders at a point on said predetermined length between points of attachment to their respective links and their ends.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US92012292A | 1992-07-24 | 1992-07-24 | |
| US920,122 | 1992-07-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2085854A1 true CA2085854A1 (en) | 1994-01-25 |
Family
ID=25443204
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2085854 Abandoned CA2085854A1 (en) | 1992-07-24 | 1992-12-18 | Compliant drive link for tenter |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2085854A1 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI925097A (en) |
-
1992
- 1992-11-10 FI FI925097A patent/FI925097A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1992-12-18 CA CA 2085854 patent/CA2085854A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| FI925097A (en) | 1994-01-25 |
| FI925097A0 (en) | 1992-11-10 |
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